Marc Cucurella names team-mate who’s “one of the best” after Man United win | OneFootball

Marc Cucurella has heaped praise on Reece James following Chelsea’s win against Manchester United on Friday night.

The Blues ground out a vital 1-0 win James providing a brilliant assist for Cucurella to head home the only goal of the game in the second half.

The win means Chelsea now must beat Nottingham Forest on the final day to guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League.

Cucurella praises James

James returned to the starting line-up against United and despite suffering with hamstring issues again this season, he’s managed to stay fit since returning in January.

The Chelsea captain has made 25 appearances in all competitions, which is significantly more than he managed last season.

James played a pivotal role in the winning goal against Man United. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

James showed his quality on the ball in the final third and was instrumental in the winning goal, whilst Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Chelsea never thought about selling him despite reports.

Cucurella, who’s had an outstanding season was full of praise for James after the game and said he’s one of the best players in the squad.

“It has been a tough season for him, a lot of injuries but he is one of the best players that we have in the squad,” he told BBC Sport.

“We are very happy to have him in the team and he helps us a lot.”

Hato a summer target

Full backs have been so important for Chelsea in recent years and it was great to see James and Cucurella combine for the goal.

However, the Blues do lack an alternative for Cucurella, with Renato Veiga likely to leave the club this summer, meaning if anything happened to Cucurella they’d be in trouble.

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James, along with Malo Gusto has filled in in his absence, and the Blues could look to give Ishe Samuels-Smith an opportunity next season.

Chelsea have identified Ajax star Jorrel Hato as a target and the 19-year-old is a left back who can also play centre back, although Liverpool are said to be interested so the Blues could need to move fast.